Accessibility Handbook

Chapter 4. Physical Accessibility

Physical accessibility is slightly different from visual and audio accessibility: the user can see the website and can hear all the audio, so information isn’t hidden from them. Making a website physically accessible often boils down to the actual usability of the website. How hard is it to navigate? Are applications frustrating to use? This, of all the types of accessibility, benefits the most, as the guidelines laid out make a better experience for even typical users.

Who Does It Cover?

Physical accessibility covers any user who might have trouble using traditional forms of input for their computer. This can range from those who are paralyzed to those who have broken their dominant arm and must use their off hand to use a mouse. Following a few standards also helps those who are suffering from a broken trackpad or mouse, and have to use a keyboard as their only navigation. Some common use cases:

• A disorder might cause shaking or jerking, such as some forms of cerebral palsy and Parkinsons.

• A disorder might slow the user’s motions, such as some forms of cerebral palsy and some brain traumas.

• A user might have lost the use of a dominant limb, causing them to lose accuracy while learning to use their non-dominant limb.

• A user might be completely unable to use a mouse, but still have use of their keyboard. Sites would be navigated by tabbing through the elements, or using arrow keys.

Those that are physically disabled might use a variety of alternate devices: ...